Washington D.C. Lincoln Memorial Washington, D.C. The USA's capital city lies midway along the eastern seaboard, abut 90 miles inland from the Atlantic Ocean. Founded in 1791, the city is named after President George Washinton. Washinton is not a state nor is it part of any state. It's a unique "Federal District" created specifically to be the seat of the U.S. government. The area is well known for its wide array of cultural and historical attractions, historic monuments, and meorials...most of which are free to the public. Columbus Ohio Columbus, OH Columbus serves as the state capital with a 10-acre Capitol Square surrounding the capitol building. The first settlers arrived about 1797 and in 1812 the area was selected as the capital. Located on the banks of the Scioto River, the city spans the generations with its modern high-rises and century-old buildings. The Ohio State University campus and stadium have long been popular city attractions. Events include the Columbus Arts Festival, Rhythm and Food Festival, Red, Whte & Boom, Tast! Columbus, and an annual Sports, Vacation, and Boat Show. Sacramento California Sacramento's State Capitol Sacramento, CA Sacramento, California's state capital, is known as a sophisticated city with a pioneer past. Swiss emigrant, Capt. John Sutter, settled the area on the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers in 1839. The city was selected as the state capital in 1854. Filled with attractions to see, the community lies in an agriculturally rich region of the state and serves as a major port. Sacramento events include: California State Fair, Sacramento Jazz Jubilee, on-going Sutter's Fort Living History programs, and the Gold Rush Festival. Mesa Arizona Mesa, AZ A city of phenominal growth, Mesa was founded in 1878 by Mormon pioners from Idaho and Utah. Today the city is a commercial, agricultural, and tourist center. The city's population includes an annual migration of snowbirds who travel from cold, wet areas to enjoy the warm and invigorating climate of the area. The nearby Superstition Mountains offer a wide variety of outdoor recreation and wildlife. Amarillo Texas Palo Duro Canyon State Park Amarillo, TX First settled in 1887, Amarillo serves as the commercial, cultural, and recreations center of the Texas Panhandle. Fifty-six parks provide recreational opportunities. Amarillo was on Route 66 and "Old Route 66" signs mark the route through the area. Amarillo is home of Amarillo College. Amarillo events include: Texas Outdoor Musical Drama, National Old-Timers Rodeo, and Tri-State Fair. Miami Beach Florida Miami Beach Miami Beach, FL Situated in southeastern Florida on a marrow on a narrow neck of land and islands on the Atlantic Ocean, Miami Beach is separated from the city of Miami by Biscayne Bay but is connected to it by four causeways. Miami Beach stretches for about ten miles along a succession of renowned ocean beaches on the east; the site varies in width from on to three miles. The founder John Collins failed in an attempt to raise avocados on the lonely stretch of mosquito infested scrub palmettos, he built the world longest wooden bridge to the mainland with financial assistance Collins dredged sand from the bay and built land on the swamp. He sold the newly created properties and the resort he developed became one of the world's most popular. The long strip of ocean front hotels remains unsurpassed in their deco luxuriance. In the 1920's the land boom was in full swing, mammoth hotels sprung up along the island. Gigantic hotels, sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay offer a degree of opulence that long has been a standard for luxury hotel accommodations. Hotels line nine miles of sand palm fringed beach. The Art Deco District contains 16 city blocks and is part of trendy South Beach area of clubs and restaurants. The principal attractions are the art deco district, which preserve the elegant architectural style that predominated in the area from the 1920s to the 1940s. In 1984 the city furthered its accommodating reputation by building a boardwalk between 21st and 46th street allowing for comfortable strolls along the oceanfront. The boardwalk has become very popular for inline-skating and roller-skating, bicycling, and taking a stroll and watching people play in the water. The emerald green water draws many people, who have to play in water, bathe in the sun, build sand castles, or if you feel competitive you can take on the "King of Beach" in beach volleyball. Miami Beach has a vibrant nightlife that offers a little something for everyone. The Art Deco District in Miami Beach is a showcase for the movement's characteristic architectural touches: porthole windows, geometric patterns, rounded corners, and glass block construction as well as walls bathed in fuchsia, turquoise, chartreuse and lavender. The Miami Design Preservation League offers a 90-minute tour of the area. For an interesting drive in Miami Beach is along Collins Ave. with it hotels and motel. Also of interest are the magnificent homes and estates, which run the architectural Samut from Spanish-Mediterranean to bold modern. Not open to the public these homes can be seen by driving around some of the private islands accessible from MacArthur, Venetran, North Bay, and Broad causeways. Biscayne National Park has four biological systems: the mainland mangrove forest, Biscayne Bay, the upper Florida Keys and the underwater reefs. Shallow Biscayne Bay, which is between the coast and the northernmost Florida Keys has clear water and is home to sponges, crabs, dolphins, and manatees endangered mammals that favor the bay's warm water. The undeveloped upper Florida Keys are the result of many thousands of years of construction by the tiny animals collectively known as coral. The 20 mile of parks reefs were formed by more than 100 species of coral and harbor more than 200 different kind of fish, including brilliantly colored parrotfish, angelfish, moray eels and wrasses making this very popular for snorkeling and scuba diving. Boating is very popular in Miami Beach. Boats of all sizes and description are for hire and/or for pleasure cruising, fishing, or water skiing, they are available. With the abundance of water naturally bring plenty of fishing opportunities. Bridge pier and bottom fishing are most popular forms of fishing in the area. The Port of Miami is the home of the largest cruise fleet in the world. The Bass Museum of Art exhibits fine art and the Miami Beach Garden Center and Conservatory contains orchids, anthuriums, and ferns.